France + Flights | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/france+flights
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 23:28:09 GMT2015-03-03T23:28:09Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
10 cheap ski resorts: in the shadow of giantshttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/nov/18/cheap-ski-resorts
For powder snow, world-class après-ski and lodgings at a price that won't steam up your goggles, try the big resorts' little sisters. Here are our top 10 budget snow destinations<p>S&ouml;ll may not share the fame of Kitzb&uuml;hel but it does share its ski area. The Kitzb&uuml;heler Alpen AllStarCard covers 10 Austrian ski areas including Kitzb&uuml;hel, St Johann in Tirol and the newly formed Ski Jewel area of Alpbachtal and Wildsch&ouml;nau – more than 1,000km of piste – for &pound;188 for six days. Right in the centre of all that terrain lies S&ouml;ll, where a double room with breakfast at the Apartments Sport Mayr (<a href="http://www.sportmayr.info/englishpages/ourhouse/index.html" title="">sportmayr.info</a>) costs from &pound;23 a night. The town itself has a lively apr&egrave;s-ski atmosphere, but you will need a car or to brave the ski bus to get to the slopes, which are around 1km away from the centre. A small price to pay.<br /><em>Fly Thomas Cook (</em><a href="http://www.thomascook.com/" title=""><em>thomascook.com</em></a><em>) has flights to Innsbruck for &pound;103 return. Crystal (</em><a href="http://www.crystalski.co.uk/" title=""><em>crystalski.co.uk</em></a><em>) is offering free lift passes for kids (up to 15 years old) with every adult pass purchase </em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/nov/18/cheap-ski-resorts">Continue reading...</a>SkiingChaletsTravelBudget travelSwitzerlandEuropeAlpsFrancePyreneesCheap flightsFlightsAustriaTop 10sSun, 18 Nov 2012 00:05:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/nov/18/cheap-ski-resortsGetty ImagesSloping off: St Martin de Belleville in France has outstanding accommodation at reasonable prices. Photograph: Getty ImagesGetty ImagesSloping off: St Martin de Belleville in France has outstanding accommodation at reasonable prices. Photograph: Getty ImagesSusan Greenwood2012-11-18T00:05:51ZFewer Britons taking overseas breaks as recession biteshttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/jul/13/fewer-britons-take-overseas-breaks
More UK residents holidaying at home as 40-year trend towards foreign travel falls at fastest recorded rate<p>The number of Britons taking foreign holidays plunged last year as the 40-year trend towards regular overseas breaks fell at the fastest rate on record. </p><p>The recession prompted families to holiday at home and also saw a drop in business travel.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/jul/13/fewer-britons-take-overseas-breaks">Continue reading...</a>FlightsCheap flightsFranceEuropeUnited StatesMexicoTravelOffice for National StatisticsUK newsEuroWorld newsTue, 13 Jul 2010 18:19:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/jul/13/fewer-britons-take-overseas-breaksSean Smith/GuardianBritish holidaymakers with suntans in Corfu – Britons took 15% fewer trips overseas in 2009 than 2008. Photograph: Sean Smith/GuardianSean Smith/GuardianBritish holidaymakers with suntans in Corfu. But Britons took 15% less trips overseas in 2009 than in 2008. Photograph: Sean Smith for the GuardianRebecca Smithers, consumer affairs correspondent2010-07-13T18:19:02ZSkiing trips that won't break the bankhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/cheaper-skiing-holidays
Ski companies are ramping up their prices this winter, but there are still bargains to be found – if you know where to look. Follow our 10 essential tips<p>First the bad news. The ski brochures that are currently dropping through letterboxes around the country contain some nasty shocks. Prices have shot up this winter – often by 20% in just 12 months. Add to that the fact that the pound is sinking back towards parity against the euro – ramping up the cost of lift passes, equipment hire and eating on the slopes – and you begin to wonder if you can afford to go skiing at all.</p><p>The tour operators insist they have to raise prices. Their contracts with hotels, chalets, food suppliers and lift companies are all in euros, but they charge clients in pounds, so the collapse in sterling (from €1.4 to the pound in October 2007 to €1.05 now) has slashed their incomes. &quot;Nobody in the ski business made money last year, at the very best they might have broken even,&quot; said one managing director. &quot;We got into the industry because we loved skiing and wanted to arrange holidays, now we just spend all day checking currency fluctuations. This year no one is taking any chances.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/cheaper-skiing-holidays">Continue reading...</a>SkiingTravelRecessionAustriaItalySwitzerlandWinter sportsFranceCanadaUnited StatesFlightsHotelsEuropeBudget travelSat, 03 Oct 2009 23:08:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/cheaper-skiing-holidaysRobin Gautier/PRThe perfectly groomed slopes of Courchevel, France, come at a price, but you can save money by driving to the Alps. Photograph: Robin GautierRobin Gautier/PRThe perfectly groomed slopes of Courchevel, France, come at a price, but you can save money by driving to the Alps. Photograph: Robin Gautier Photograph: Robin Gautier/PRTom Robbins2009-10-03T23:08:55ZEarly season skiing in Francehttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/skiing-snowboarding
Why wait for winter? Our writer has just returned from his first snowboarding trip of the season, a bargain long-weekend in Tignes<p>Suddenly, I know how Posh feels – what to wear to the airport? Not, in my case, because I need to assemble yet another fabulous couture ensemble for the awaiting paparazzi, but because it's one of those scorching late September days Britain sometimes serves up by way of apology for another underwhelming summer. And I'm going snowboarding.</p><p>It's a strange feeling to do the Tarentaise rat run – the road between Geneva and the French Alps soon overfamiliar to frequent visitors – in full bloom, the monochrome of Lake Annecy and the gradually gathering mountains swapped for turquoise water and lush green forests flecked with gold and red. And the temperate theme extends alarmingly high. By the time I reach Tignes les Boisses' H&ocirc;tel Les M&eacute;l&egrave;zes at 1,850m, of the craggy peaks crowding the wraparound views, only the Grande Sassi&egrave;re across the Is&egrave;re valley shows any snow.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/skiing-snowboarding">Continue reading...</a>SkiingSnowboardingFranceFlightsTravelFood and drinkWinter sportsSat, 03 Oct 2009 23:08:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/skiing-snowboardingMonica Dalmasso/PRSkiers take advantage of early snow for a freeride session at Tignes. Photograph: Monica DalmassoMonica Dalmasso/PRSkiers take advantage of early snow for a freeride session at Tignes. Photograph Monica Dalmasso Photograph: Monica Dalmasso/PRRupert Mellor2009-10-03T23:08:08ZSki clinic: which resort is best for us?http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/ski-holidays-adventure-weekend-travel
Whether you are a beginner looking for a gentle weekend, an adrenalin junkie in search of adventure, or just want to party, our experts have the perfect destinations<p><strong>Rosie Bateman, 28, physiotherapist and friends, from London. </strong></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/ski-holidays-adventure-weekend-travel">Continue reading...</a>SkiingWinter sportsFamily holidaysAdventure travelBudget travelFlightsHotelsSnowboardingShort breaksFranceAustriaSwitzerlandSpainSat, 03 Oct 2009 23:06:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/04/ski-holidays-adventure-weekend-travelGuardian Staff2009-10-03T23:06:53ZTravel news in briefhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/sep/20/in-brief-sweden-beer-glasgow
<p>Sweden is celebrating the opening of its first marine national park, on the Koster archipelago off the country's west coast. The Kosterhavet park, which was inaugurated on 9 September, is home to 6,000 marine species, including Sweden's largest population of harbour seals. Activities include crayfish expeditions with local fishermen, seal safaris and trips with a marine biologist on a boat fitted with an underwater camera. Simply Sweden (0845 8900 300; <a href="http://www.simplysweden.co.uk" title="simplysweden.co.uk">simplysweden.co.uk</a>) offers a six-day trip to Gothenburg and the Koster Islands from &pound;655, including flights and B&amp;B accommodation.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/sep/20/in-brief-sweden-beer-glasgow">Continue reading...</a>SwedenGlasgowMunichFestivalsWildlife holidaysFlightsCultural tripsTravelFranceSat, 19 Sep 2009 23:05:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/sep/20/in-brief-sweden-beer-glasgowAndreas Gebert/EPAOktoberfest ... the world's largest beer festival runs until 4 Oct in Munich. Photograph: Andreas Gebert/EPAAndreas Gebert/EPAA waitress carries beer glasses at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany Photograph: Andreas Gebert/EPAGuardian Staff2009-09-19T23:05:35ZFrance special: Live high on the hog in the Languedochttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jul/05/france-paris
It's a new holiday village but the architecture is traditional, as are the activities. Ian Belcher tries winemaking, trout tickling - and a spot of boar hunting<p>Club Med, eat your heart out. Mark Warner, look away now. I've seen the future of holiday villages and it involves taking pot shots at wild boar, treading Corbi&egrave;res grapes, and - if you're feeling reckless - tickling speckled trout. Wind surfing and sailing lessons? They're just so last season, ch&eacute;ri.</p><p>Les Jardins de Saint Beno&icirc;t, tucked into the widescreen panoramic drama of the French Languedoc, is aiming to rewrite the holiday village rulebook. Harnessing the passion, traditions and skill of local Occitane winegrowers and artisans, it offers a practical, herb-infused taste of Mediterranean rural life - a natural high-de-hi.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jul/05/france-paris">Continue reading...</a>FranceFood and drinkParisFlightsHotelsFamily holidaysBoating holidaysTravelSat, 04 Jul 2009 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jul/05/france-paris/Anthony CakeIan Belcher (in the green shirt) enjoys a long lunch in Languedoc. Photograph: Anthony Cake/Anthony CakeIan Belcher on a food holiday in Languedoc Photograph: Anthony CakeIan Belcher2009-07-04T23:01:00ZFrance by the Frenchhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jul/05/france-guide-french-travel
Where do the natives go for outstanding beaches, high culture and top cuisine? Ally Carnwath asked six French insiders for their holiday recommendations<p>I spend my holidays every year in La Loz&egrave;re in southern France. It's not easy to get to – there are no direct fast trains and no airport – but that protects the character of the area and there are lots of things to do. One of the major draws of the d&eacute;partment is nature; it's the last relatively untouched great expanse in France and it contains the Causses (limestone plateaux) which are almost completely uninhabited and very wild.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jul/05/france-guide-french-travel">Continue reading...</a>FranceRail travelParisLyonArlesCultural tripsRestaurantsHotelsShopping tripsWalking holidaysCycling holidaysFlightsSurfingTravelSat, 04 Jul 2009 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jul/05/france-guide-french-travelHenrik Trygg/CorbisSurfers at Hossegor Beach in France, 20 Aug 2004. Photograph: Henrik Trygg/CorbisJeremy Walker/Getty ImagesFrance uncovered ... hire a car and discover small villages and wild countryside. Photograph: Jeremy Walker/Getty ImagesJeremy Walker/Getty ImagesDriving on a tree lined road in France. Photograph: Jeremy Walker/Getty ImagesAlly Carnwath2009-07-04T23:01:00ZLucy Gillmore makes her own cosmetics in Languedochttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/27/cosmetics-course-languedoc
Who needs Boots? On a course in Languedoc you can discover how to make your own lotions and cosmetics<p>'Ylang ylang is the Marmite of essential oils,&quot; Jenny Gay, homeopath, reiki practitioner and our teacher for the weekend, explained. &quot;It's a female aphrodisiac, so cosmetics companies tend to bung it in everything. But you either love it or you hate it.&quot; </p><p>I hate it, so it wasn't going in my face cream. Instead I slopped a dollop of pale green aloe vera gel into a small jar. Next, a drizzle of organic apricot kernel oil from a test tube. Whisking vigorously, I watched as the mixture turned cloudy. Finally, the essential oils: two drops of rose (good for broken capillaries and dry skin), two of geranium (balancing), one of frankincense (a natural preservative with - those magic words - anti-ageing properties). In just a few minutes I had created my own organic face cream. I couldn't believe how easy it was. And it had a dreamy, delicate scent. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/27/cosmetics-course-languedoc">Continue reading...</a>FranceFlightsTravelBeautyLife and styleFri, 26 Jun 2009 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/27/cosmetics-course-languedocPRHard smell... perfumes and body oils extracted from the rich flora of Herault. Photograph: PRPRHard smell... perfumes and body oils extracted from the rich flora of Herault Photograph: PRLucy Gillmore2009-06-26T23:01:00ZTravel news in briefhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/may/03/mini-bob-dylan-umbria-madagascar-cannes
<p>A week after the British government announced its Budget decision to proceed with big increases in Air Passenger Duty, the Dutch goverment has revealed a very different approach - it is to scrap departure tax altogether. The Dutch flight tax for short-haul flights was €11.25, while long-haul passengers were charged €45, but both fees will be abolished from 1 July. While the British government sees the tax as a way of boosting revenues, the Dutch hope that abolishing it will help stimulate the economy. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/may/03/mini-bob-dylan-umbria-madagascar-cannes">Continue reading...</a>TravelFlightsCultural tripsRoad tripsScotlandUnited KingdomLondonUmbriaItalyMadagascarFranceSailing holidaysExtreme sports holidaysFranceEuropeSat, 02 May 2009 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/may/03/mini-bob-dylan-umbria-madagascar-cannesGuardian Staff2009-05-02T23:01:00ZAgn&egrave;s Poirier on how to enjoy the Cannes film festival without breaking the bankhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/apr/25/cannes-film-festival-travel-tips
Europe's premier movie knees-up oozes A-list glamour but hanging out with the stars needn't cost the Earth, says film critic Agn&egrave;s Poirier<p>Think the Cannes film festival is purely for Hollywood stars and VIPs rather than skint movie buffs? Think again. You too can go down to the French Riviera for the festival and walk the red carpet throwing an enigmatic smile at photographers. </p><p>All you need is dedication, patience, ingenuity and, of course, a passion for films. Even better is that you can get all this on a tight budget. With this year's line up of Lars Von Trier, Pedro Almod&oacute;var, Tarantino and Ken Loach, alongside the cr&egrave;me de la cr&egrave;me of world cinema newcomers, it's hard to resist Cannes' siren call. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/apr/25/cannes-film-festival-travel-tips">Continue reading...</a>Cannes 2009FestivalsCannes film festivalFranceCultural tripsHotelsCampingSelf-cateringShopping tripsFood and drinkFlightsTravelFilmCultureFri, 24 Apr 2009 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/apr/25/cannes-film-festival-travel-tipsFred Dufour/AFPPeople arriving at the Festival Palace for the opening ceremony of Cannes Film Festival. Photograph: Fred Dufour/AFPFred Dufour/AFPPeople arriving at the Festival Palace for the opening ceremony of Cannes Film Festival, southern France Photograph: Fred Dufour/AFPAgnès Poirier2009-04-24T23:01:00ZSnowboarding champion Jenny Jones picks out the best summer camps for womenhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/15/snowboarding-france-women-jenny-jones-camp
Snowboarding champion Jenny Jones picks out the best summer camps for women who want to stay on the slopes all year and improve their skills<p>There was a time when the terms &quot;British&quot;, &quot;snowboarder&quot; and &quot;best in the world&quot; would have drawn laughs if uttered in the same sentence. But then, last month, Jenny Jones, a slight 28-year-old from Bristol, won gold in the Winter X Games, a freesports version of the Olympics. Jones made history as the first Briton to stand atop an X Games podium, but it wasn't a medal won easily. While most of us spend our summers working on our tans, Jenny has spent hers honing her freestyle skills at training camps on the eternal snows of Europe's glaciers or in the southern hemisphere during their winter. </p><p>Now a growing number of summer camps are being run for amateurs, too. Many are just for women and some even feature instruction from Jones herself. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/15/snowboarding-france-women-jenny-jones-camp">Continue reading...</a>SnowboardingFranceNew ZealandArgentinaUnited StatesHotelsFlightsTravelSun, 15 Feb 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/15/snowboarding-france-women-jenny-jones-campNathan Bilow/APJenny Jones, of the United Kingdom, smiles after winning the the Women's Snowboard Slopestyle at the Winter X Games 13 at Buttermilk Ski Area, near Aspen Photograph: Nathan Bilow/APNathan Bilow/APJenny Jones, of the United Kingdom, smiles after winning the the Women's Snowboard Slopestyle at the Winter X Games 13 at Buttermilk Ski Area, near Aspen Photograph: Nathan Bilow/APJenny Jones, interview by Susan Greenwood2009-02-15T00:01:00ZIn search of French Meribelhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/15/skiing-france
Breaking a vow never to go back to Britain's favourite ski resort, Tom Robbins returns to discover a village reclaiming its Gallic heart<p>In 2003, sitting on the sun-terrace of Le Rond Point, I vowed never to come to Meribel again. On the long tables around me, the recent products of Britain's finest public schools were passing round shots of toffee vodka and chanting &quot;Down it, Down it&quot;. Their friends Chopper and Toby stood at either end of the terrace and repeatedly threw a rubber chicken between them, rugger-style, guffawing uncontrollably at the hilarity of it all. Though there's nothing clever about inverted-snobbery, and though the view was wonderful, I simply couldn't take it any more. </p><p>Founded by a British colonel shortly before the second world war, Meribel remains Britain's favourite place to ski. The resort claims to have welcomed 400,000 of us last year, Brits make up 64 per cent of all its foreign visitors, more than 50 British tour operators offer packages there, and there's even a branch of Pizza Express. On busy weeks such as this one, it seems you never hear a French voice. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/15/skiing-france">Continue reading...</a>SkiingFranceRestaurantsUnited KingdomFlightsHotelsTravelSun, 15 Feb 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/15/skiing-franceTom RobbinsMeribel sans Brits ... Tom Robbin's ski instructor Philippe Laissus looks down over the mountains. Photograph: Tom RobbinsTom RobbinsTom Robbin's ski instructor Philippe Laissus looks down over the mountains Photograph: Tom RobbinsTom Robbins2009-02-15T00:01:00ZMeet the enterprising young Brits taking on the traditional chalet markethttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jan/17/skiing-wintersports-france-chalet
They'll be your ski buddy, your dance partner and cook what you want when you want it - meet the enterprising young Brits taking on the traditional chalet market<p>It was only as I arrived at the rustic-plush Chalet du Guide in M&eacute;ribel that I realised that in my 30-odd ski trips, I'd never done the shared chalet thing. The group chalet takeover yes, but to the catered, per-room model, sharing mountain digs with perfect strangers, I was as green as a slope in a skier's nightmare.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jan/17/skiing-wintersports-france-chalet">Continue reading...</a>SkiingWinter sportsShort breaksWeekend breaksEuropeHotelsSelf-cateringSnowboardingFranceChamonixFlightsTravelChaletsSat, 17 Jan 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jan/17/skiing-wintersports-france-chaletPRBusiness models ... Fish and Pips seasonaire chalet owners in MeribelPRRupert Mellor, Gemma Bowes and Chris Moran2009-01-17T00:01:00ZIsabel Choat goes dog-sledding in Finlandhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/nov/01/dog-sledding-finland-adventure
The reindeer prove elusive, but in every other way dog-sledding through the Finnish wilderness is the perfect festive adventure, says Isabel Choat. Read on for more Christmas and New Year ideas<p>&quot;Welcome to The Border Inn&quot;, reads the sign in Philip Ross's hands. A nice touch, but not entirely necessary. He is wearing a fleece printed with huskies. Even without the dogs emblazoned across his chest, we would have clocked him at Kuusamo airport immediately. He stands stock still amid a gaggle of over-excited ski reps, who flirt with each other and brandish clipboards at new arrivals. As they shepherd their charges into coaches bound for the ski resort of Ruka, we jump into Philip's 4x4, destination: somewhere near the Russian border. </p><p>Perhaps the husky sweatshirt is ironic, I think, as we head east along an arrow straight, icy road. But it soon becomes clear that dog sledding is not just a livelihood for Philip, it's an all-consuming obsession. He talks of nothing else. The journey passes quickly with tales of arduous sled races, a rundown of the individual characteristics of (almost) all of his 67 dogs and reminiscences about dogs he's loved and lost. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/nov/01/dog-sledding-finland-adventure">Continue reading...</a>FinlandAdventure travelWinter sportsHotelsSelf-cateringFranceRussiaSwitzerlandChristmas and New YearReykjavikChristmas marketsIcelandFlightsTravelChristmasSat, 01 Nov 2008 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/nov/01/dog-sledding-finland-adventurePROh what fun it is to ride ... husky dog sledging in Finland. Photograph: The Border InnPRHusky dog sledging in Finland. Photograph: The Border InnIsabel Choat2008-11-01T00:01:00ZFlying visit: Beaune, Burgundyhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/11/restaurants-hotels
Beaune, Burgundy<p><strong>Why now?</strong> <br />For France's most famous charity wine auction, the Hospices de Beaune, (November 14-17, <a href="http://www.beaune-burgundy.com">beaune-burgundy.com</a>). Serious buyers bid for barrels, each containing 228 litres, but you don't have to be an investor to soak up the atmosphere. There are tastings of Burgundy's new vintage and previous years, and a street festival. The abstemious can take part in a half-marathon around the vineyards. </p><p><strong>Getting there</strong> <br />With Rail Europe (0844 848 4070, <a href="http://www.raileurope.co.uk">raileurope.co.uk</a>), from St Pancras to Beaune via Paris and Dijon, from &pound;134 rtn (6&frac14;hrs). </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/11/restaurants-hotels">Continue reading...</a>RestaurantsHotelsFranceSicilyItalyFlightsBrusselsBelgiumTravelFri, 10 Oct 2008 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/11/restaurants-hotelsPRWine line...serious buyers bid for barrels at the the Hospices de BeaunePRWine line...serious buyers bid for barrels at the the Hospices de BeauneGuardian Staff2008-10-10T23:01:00ZBudget holidays: Adventurehttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/04/adventure.budget
Gemma Bowes on how to have an exciting holiday on the cheap<p>There are plenty of ways to save cash on what can be one of the most expensive holidays known to man or beast. Go off season when there are fewer vehicles, less dust, and only intermittent rain showers (April-June for east Africa, our summer for southern Africa). Choosing a safari camp instead of a luxury lodge doesn't mean roughing it; you still get a guide and cook and some are around the edges of national parks where you won't pay park fees. Self-drive if possible (South African and Namibia are best-suited to this), and go in a group - the biggest cost on safari is the vehicle and guide, so the more people you split this with the more you save. <strong>Expert Africa</strong> (<a href="http://www.expertafrica.com">expertafrica.com</a>) says lodge prices are set to increase for 2009, so go this year if possible. <strong>Wild About Africa</strong> (<a href="http://www.wildaboutafrica.com">wildaboutafrica.com</a>) has assisted camping safaris in Namibia for around &pound;1,000pp for 10 days incl flights, compared with double or triple that for lodges. <strong>Real Africa</strong> (<a href="http://www.realafrica.co.uk">realafrica.co.uk</a>) has a trip to Tanzania in April/May, including meals, game drives and flights, for six people for &pound;1,445pp compared with &pound;1,795pp if there are just two people travelling. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/04/adventure.budget">Continue reading...</a>Adventure travelBudget travelSafarisAfricaSailing holidaysFranceMarrakechMoroccoNamibiaFlightsWalesTravelFri, 03 Oct 2008 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/04/adventure.budgetLudovic Maisant/GuardianGo off season and an Egyptian Nile cruise will cost you less. Photograph: Ludovic MaisantLudovic Maisant/GuardianEgyptian Nile cruise. Photograph: Ludovic MaisantGemma Bowes2008-10-03T23:01:00ZWinter break optionshttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/sep/27/top100skibreaks.budget1
<p>If you're a total novice, but don't want to waste shovel loads of cash on a sport you might not even like, then make use of the great new Freshers' Week packages currently being touted by ski companies. The industry is trying to get ski virgins hooked on the white stuff by offering freebies for their first break. Lift pass, lessons and equipment hire are thrown in for nothing when you book flight and accommodation packages for specific weeks and resorts, saving a couple of hundred quid per person. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/sep/27/top100skibreaks.budget1">Continue reading...</a>Top 100 ski breaksBudget travelFlightsHotelsSkiingSnowboardingSwitzerlandFranceFinlandLondonTravelFri, 26 Sep 2008 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/sep/27/top100skibreaks.budget1PRSteaming hot ... the sauna gondola in FinlandPRGemma Bowes2008-09-26T23:01:00ZWhere do where do Britain's top tour operators go on holiday?http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/aug/24/hotels.flights
They spend all year flogging holidays, but where do the bosses of Britain's top tour operators head for when it's their turn for some time off?<p><strong>Craig Burkinshaw, Managing Director, Audley Travel</strong></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/aug/24/hotels.flights">Continue reading...</a>TravelHotelsFlightsCampingFranceNorwayBrazilScotlandItalyKenyaZambiaPeruSyriaThailandSat, 23 Aug 2008 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/aug/24/hotels.flightsDavid Noton/Getty'Perfect for a few days' relaxation' ... Peter Kerkar of Cox & Kings loves Lake Garda, Italy. Photograph: David Noton/GettyDavid Noton/GettyLake Garda, Italy. Photograph: David Noton/GettyLinsey McNeill and Sarah Turner2008-08-23T23:01:00ZEscape's picks of the weekhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/jan/06/flights.hotels
<p><strong>The warning</strong></p><p>Air passengers are being urged to check with their airlines before travelling to get the latest information on baggage restrictions. From tomorrow, 19 UK airports, including Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester, but not Gatwick, will permit passengers to take more than one item of hand baggage on board aircraft. However, a number of airlines, including Easyjet and BMI, have said they will retain a one-item rule. 'Different rules for different airlines and airports means that it is essential passengers check the situation before they fly,' says Neil Pakey of the Airport Operators Association. 'Other restrictions, such as on the carrying of liquids, remain in force.' </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/jan/06/flights.hotels">Continue reading...</a>TravelFlightsHotelsWalking holidaysGreen travelCornwallFranceSkiingSun, 06 Jan 2008 23:44:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/jan/06/flights.hotelsGuardian Staff2008-01-06T23:44:26Z